Human Rights and Religious Freedom Journalism Grant Program

The Human Rights and Religious Freedom Journalism (HRRFJ) Grant Program primarily supports early and mid-career journalists in pursuing independent reporting projects on the challenges confronting minorities and marginalized communities in India, as well as the Indian diaspora in the United States.

The program places particular emphasis on in-depth investigative reporting that highlights human rights and religious freedom issues. Multimedia proposals are welcome.

Both freelance journalists and full-time reporters with news organizations are eligible to apply. Supported reports must be published in reputable national and international print, online, or broadcast outlets with wide circulation, and must be written in English. Topics should be timely, original, and of clear interest to Indian or Indian diaspora audiences.

Grant amounts range from $500 to $1,400 (₹40,000 – ₹120,000 INR). The final award for each proposal will be determined by the selection committee. Disbursement will be made in two parts: half of the grant amount will be provided upon acceptance of the reporting proposal and contract signing, and the remainder will be paid upon publication of the story or stories.